Countering the Cloud

This book explores the interplay between information infrastructures and knowledge, offering insights into societal values and the implications of technology in our lives. Countering the Cloud provides a critical lens on these themes.

In Countering the Cloud, the author delves into the intricate relationship between information infrastructures and the forms of knowledge they promote. By examining the prevailing logics of speed, efficiency, and resilience, the narrative contrasts these with more communal and ecological perspectives. This exploration raises critical questions about societal values and the roles that infrastructures should play in our lives, pushing readers to reconsider what technical 'solutions' mean in a broader context.

The book poses thought-provoking inquiries, such as how cables and data centers conceptualize information. It highlights the ways in which these infrastructures shape our understanding and interaction with technology. Through a rich tapestry of empirical research, the author traverses various locations, from data centers in Hong Kong to undersea cables in Singapore and server clusters in China. This journey is not just about technology; it is also about the epistemological implications of these infrastructures, which often favor certain actions and actors while marginalizing others.

Countering the Cloud is an innovative examination of the underlying values and visions that inform our technological landscape. It is an essential read for students, scholars, and researchers across multiple disciplines, including communication studies, digital media, technology studies, sociology, and geography. The book invites a re-evaluation of how we engage with technology and the infrastructures that support it, encouraging a more nuanced understanding of their societal impact.